Improvement in coal-chutes



JOSEPH RHODES.

Improvement in vCoal-Chutes.

Patented June 5,187.

'JOSEPH RHODES, OF DUNKIRK, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN COAL-CHUTES.

Specication forming part of Letters Patent No. 115,640, dated Junev, 1871.

I, JOSEPH RHODES, of Dunkirk, in the county of Chautauqua and State of New York, have invented cert-ain new and useful Improvements in Chutes for OoalWharves, &'c., of which the following is a specification:

Nature of the Invention.

The object of this invention is to facilitate loading of vessels from coal-pockets and make one chute do the work of several; and the invention consists in hanging an extension chute General Description.

In the drawing, Figure l is a perspective view of the coalreceivers, showing the tracks, frame, and chute. Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the extension chute. Fig. 3 is a detail view, showing the arrangement of the upper wheels of a track.

A A represent the coal pockets or receivers, standing on the wharf B. The coal is dumped into these from cars running on tracks on top, and the coal is drawn out through openings a a. 0n the front, near the top of this line of coal-receivers, I arrange a narrow track, b, and which stands out a little way. On this track ishungthe chute-frame C, by means of grooved wheels c c, which are attached inside the frame, and run on the narrow track ittin g in the grooves. These wheels move in a small frame, set at an angle to fit the inwardly slantin g track, so arranged in order to keep the wheels more securely on the track than if set straight.

(See Fig. 3.) Attached to the same trame that holds the grooved wheel is a small friction roller, d, which hugs the under side of the rail b and keeps the frame from jumping the track. Beneath the coal-openings a a I place another iiat track, e, and attach 'to the inside of the lower ends of the frame e dat rollers f f, (see Fig.r 2,) which facilitate the moving of the frame across the entire front of the coal-re ceptacles. IThe frame G is made narrower at the lower end than at the top, and is wide enough to inclose the coalopenings a. Hung inside this lower part of the frame, by means of chains or links g g, is the chute D or spontconductor of the coal, the upper or widest part sitting under the coal-opening of the pocket. For the purpose of preventing any dropping of coal between the chute and pocketI arrange, inside the chute D, an auxiliary or smaller chute, E, which is made to slide under the coalopening a, and effectually close the space h by means of rods i 'i arranged outside the chute D, by which it is moved up or back. A bail, k, is fastened to the lower end of the chute D, and is raised up or lowered to any desired pitch by pulleys attached to the top of the frame C and cord The usual method of unloading these coalpockets is by a stationary chute hinged to each opening, Which is raised as soon as the pocket is emptied, and so on. In loading` avessel, she is moored so that her hatchway comes exactly opposite the mouth or discharging end of the chute, and when that is clogged the vessel has to be moved until another hatchway comes exactly in place.

A special advantage of my construction is, by hanging the chute by chains or links to the frame O, a lateral swing can be givento the discharge end of the chute so that the direction of the coal can be changed as it rushes into the vessels hold, and not all be deposited in one pile, orforce the vessel to be moved a few feet or inches, more or less, to accommodate the stationary chute. The special feature of novelty is the frame and chute, by which they canbe slid from one pocket to another, and one chute do the work of the many now employed. This is highly important to coal-dealers that ship largely, for, instead of a stationary chute attached to each pocket, two or three of mine will unload forty or more in a very short time. The simplicity of its construction yand of its working` are important advantages.

1. In combination with the coal pockets or receivers A A, the sliding frame C, bearing and having a spout, D, said frame and spout being capable of being moved from one discharge-outlet to another of said pockets, as herein described.

2. In combination with the sliding frame C, the friction-wheels c c and d d at the top, and

tension E moved by slides or rods i i, the whole arranged as described, and operating in the manner and for the purpose specified.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence 'of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOSEPH RHODES.

Witnesses:

J. K. BRAKE,

C. N. WOODWARD. 

